“I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Gateway Alliance team

Chantelle Daly, Former Gateway Alliance Trainee 2017-2018

Before joining the Gateway Alliance (Midlands) School Direct Programme I had worked for 8 years as a Mortgage Specialist. I had read about this program and decided it was something I would like to consider to support a career change into the education sector. I left the bank and took a full time role as a teaching assistant in one of the partnership schools linked to the Program. During this time I completed my BA Honors Degree in Early Years Childcare Education.  I completed 2 years as a teaching assistant and decided it was the right time to apply as it was the final year of my degree. I decided to pursue a career because of my own positive experiences as a child- primary school gave me some very fond memories and I remember the difference my teachers made to my life. I wanted to make the same difference and have a positive impact on the children of the next generation. What better way to do that, than to become a teacher myself? I was successful in gaining a place on this high quality teaching program and started the following September.

Right from the start I was made to feel like a teacher. The support I received was excellent and I settled quickly into the school environment in this new teaching role. The Gateway Alliance (Midlands) School Direct Program was more than just a provider of higher education, it soon became like a family. The relationships built through this program were strong and are still very much alive 3 years on. All the people involved truly want you to succeed and be the best you can be and this was evident by the thorough the constant acknowledgment of my hard efforts.

One thing that has stood out for me with this program is the hands on approach you are encouraged to take from day one. I got to teach straight away and this meant that I was able to reflect on my teaching from the get go, allowing me to think about different styles that best suited me as a teacher. I felt very prepared entering my first teaching post as I had managed a workload throughout the year that reflected the life of a true teacher. I completed my NQT as a Year 4 teacher and am currently in my second year of teaching in Year 1. I have been able to progress this year to take on further responsibilities and am now the PSHE subject leader for my school. This has always been an area of real passion, one that I had shared with my school as something I would like to have done in the future during my NQT year, and here I am now successfully achieving this additional responsibility. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Gateway Alliance team and hold some unforgettable memories that I cherish dearly. 

Whether you’re a career changer, graduate or are currently working in a support capacity within school, we can provide you with the best possible training experience to equip you with the skills, knowledge, experience and confidence to be a fantastic teacher. Train to teach with Gateway Alliance.